A federal grand jury has indicted an IRS revenue officer for pressuring delinquent taxpayers to refinance their mortages with a company for which he worked on the side so they could pay their outstanding tax debts.
Mark Claybrooks, 41, was charged with three counts of “acts affecting a personal financial interest” and two counts of fraud for using IRS computers without authorization, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He allegedly contacted overdue taxpayers and tried to steer them toward Faith Mortgage Group in Antioch, Calif., where he worked from 2003 to 2005. He received over $20,000 from the mortgage company in exchange for his referrals.
Claybrooks worked for the IRS in its Walnut Creek offices, where the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated his activities.
This may have occured a little while back, however beaware of anyone that forces you to accept their products to magically take care of your problems. Even IRS agents, as you can see, are guilty of taking advantage of people's unawareness of options. Don't ever be pushed by guilt, fear or a promise. Research, research, research and before you agree to anything make a phone call. You can go the IRS's website for a listing of contact numbers that will give you a person to talk to. If that doesn't work always ask for a supervisor (through the irs hotline, to confirm their employment) and discuss your issues, payments etc with them.
